SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 135
WHEREAS, Many proud residents of Matagorda County are
gathering in Austin on February 7, 2017, to celebrate Matagorda
County Day at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, One of the oldest counties in Texas, Matagorda
County is located between Galveston and Corpus Christi along the
Gulf Coast; it derives its name from the Spanish word for "thick
brush," in reference to the canebrakes that once lined its
shores; the county is 72 miles southwest of Houston; its location
allows residents easy access to a large metropolitan city while
providing them the quiet lifestyle of a rural South Texas
community; and
WHEREAS, Noted for its abundant wildlife, Matagorda County
has more species of birds than any other county in the United
States; its diverse geography, from marshes and coastal prairies
to rivers and forests, affords outstanding birding
opportunities, and the Matagorda County Birding Nature Center is
an ideal place to learn about birds, gardening, wildlife, and
native plants; the county is home to three Great Texas Coastal
Birding Trail loops encompassing 17 observation sites; and
WHEREAS, The county's bays are filled with redfish,
flounder, trout, crab, and shrimp, and the Port of Palacios is
home to more than 200 shrimp boats and handles more commercial
shrimp than any other Texas port; and
WHEREAS, Ranching, farming, and petroleum remain important
economic resources, and the county benefits from the presence of
the South Texas project; moreover, it recently became the home of
TenarisBayCity, an international pipe manufacturing company; and
WHEREAS, Bay City is the county seat of Matagorda County
and is known as "the gateway to the great outdoors"; it was
founded in 1849 and named for its location in the center of a vast
coastal prairie known from the time of Stephen F. Austin as "Bay
Prairie"; although the city is 25 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, a
port was constructed in the 1960s to link it to the Gulf
Intracoastal Waterway via the Colorado River; and
WHEREAS, Matagorda County is blessed with a rich history
and abundant natural resources, and its residents may take great
pride in their county's legacy and bright future; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby recognize February 7, 2017, as Matagorda
County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting
delegation sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful
stay in Austin; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of this special day.
Kolkhorst
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 7, 2017.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate